CENTER FOR STRATEGIC DETERRENCE AND WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION STUDIES 

 

Director: Mr. Brendan G. Melley

The INSS Center for Strategic Deterrence and WMD Studies (CSWMD) provides expertise on the full range of issues related to WMD and their potential use, from strategic deterrence to countering WMD activities. CSWMD conducts research, analysis, and policy support activities that contribute to decision makers’ understanding of the security implications of WMD; supports academic and leadership development programs; and engages with the broader national security community.

Focus Areas

Strategic Deterrence

Countering WMD

Science & Technology

Research and Commentary

National Institute for Public Policy report image of the world, focusing on South America and Africa
The Challenge of a Rising, Nuclear-Armed China
By Dr. Kathleen Ellis | Dec. 11, 2025
This National Institute for Public Policy article examines several specific developments in China’s nuclear arsenal, which, coupled with Beijing’s aggressive foreign policy, hold sobering implications for U.S. national security interests.
Cover of NIPP Occasional Paper
Re-examining National Missile Defense Strategy: Defending Against China
By Dr. Kathleen Ellis | June 11, 2025
Dr. Kathleen Ellis, CSWMD Senior Policy Fellow, authored a National Institute for Public Policy (NIPP) Occasional Paper, “Re-examining National Missile Defense Strategy: Defending Against China,”
INSS Senior Policy Fellow Sarah Gamberini delivered a presentation on developing strategic communications plans for countering adversary information warfare campaigns focused on weapons of mass destruction to the Nuclear Policy Group’s High Level Group at NATO Headquarters in April 2025.
Briefing on Nuclear Narrative Considerations for NATO to Nuclear Policy Group: Brussels
By Sarah Gamberini | May 1, 2025
At the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Nuclear and Countering WMD Policy, Sarah Gamberini delivered a presentation on developing strategic communications plans for countering adversary information warfare campaigns focused on weapons of mass destruction to the Nuclear Policy Group’s High Level Group at NATO Headquarters in April 2025.
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Meet the Experts

CSWMD
Brendan G. Melley
Director, Countering WMD, Allies and Partners
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Dr. Justin Anderson, Research Fellow, CSWMD
Justin Anderson
Senior Research Fellow, WMD threats and deterrence, Russia
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CSWMD
Sarah Gamberini
Senior Policy Fellow, WMD Threats, Arms Control, Integrated Deterrence
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Professional photo of Dr. Kathleen Ellis
Kathleen Ellis
Senior Policy Fellow, Countering WMD, Integrated Deterrence
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Diane DiEuliis
Diane DiEuliis
Expert Consultant, CSWMD
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Chris Andrews
Policy Fellow, China, WMD threats
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Paul David-Justus
Assistant Research Fellow, WMD Threats, Integrated Deterrence
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Ashley Bramucci
Assistant Research Fellow, WMD threats, strategic deterrence
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